M.S. Assistantship in Fisheries Ecology in the Amazon Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
A qualified and motivated candidate is sought to investigate hydrological influences on the dynamics of commercially important fish populations in the Amazon Basin. The selected candidate will design and conduct a catch data analysis plan to investigate the following two main research questions: (1) how natural fluctuations in river water levels affect the population dynamics and associated fishery yields of a chosen species (e.g., Prochilodus nigricans, Colossoma macropomum); and (2) how water level fluctuations altered by climate change and constructions of dams impact fishery yields and associated food security. The candidate will collaborate with project participants in Brazil, and prepare scientific reports for publication in peer-reviewed journals. This project is part of a multidisciplinary research grant awarded by NASA. Applicants must have: (i) a B.S. in ecology, fisheries, or related field; (ii) strong record of involvement in research; and (iii) strong quantitative skills. Experience in the peer-reviewed publication process is desired. The selected candidate will have full tuition, stipend (2-yr Research Assistantship), and subsidized health insurance. Anticipated start is August 2014. Applications will be considered in the order they are received. Only pre-selected applicants will be contacted. TO APPLY: E-mail questions about the position to Leandro Castello ([email protected]). To apply, send an email to [email protected] with “NASA MS position” in subject line. The email must contain: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, transcripts, (overall) GPA and GRE scores, and contact information for three references. The letter of interest must address your general research interests, why you are interested in this particular position, and what qualifications you have for successfully completing this project. Selected applicants will need to apply to the Virginia Tech Graduate School before final acceptance (http://fishwild.vt.edu/pros_graduate.htm). More information on the project can be found here http://fishwild.vt.edu/faculty/castello.htm
